RGI Position Papers

RGI regularly publishes positions with regard to current political developments and consultations. All of them can be downloaded below.

RGI Statement on Renewable Hydrogen

June 2022

RGI calls for a robust assessment of renewable hydrogen production and use and strongly believes that direct electrification should always take precedence, while renewable hydrogen could play a role in some hard-to-abate applications and for long-term storage purposes.

RGI also acknowledges that scarcity is becoming the new normal. Planning renewable hydrogen production, as well as other alternative technological applications, should therefore be done with resources and space availability in mind.

The full Statement can be downloaded by clicking here.


RGI Reaction to the REPowerEU Action Plan

May 2022

In May 2022, RGI released a reaction to the REPowerEU Action Plan, emphasing that speeding up infrastructure deployment for developing and integrating renewables needs to be connected to nature and biodiversity restoration

Within the current geopolitical changes and to achieve or surpass our climate and energy targets, we need to prioritise and streamline processes for wind and solar infrastructure development as well as the necessary electricity grids. However, it is imperative that the effort of speeding up infrastructure deployment for developing and integrating renewables is connected to nature and biodiversity restoration. This means that REPowerEU and the definition of ‘renewables go-to areas’ need to be very strongly linked to the upcoming EU Nature Restoration Targets and the activities required to achieve both objectives need to be planned coherently and jointly.

The full Reaction can be downloaded by clicking here.


RGI calls for balanced approach on inclusion of Lead in Authorisation List under REACH Regulation

April 2022

RGI calls for balanced approach on inclusion of Lead in Authorisation List under REACH Regulation due to its needed use in electricity subsea cables.

RGI recognises that enhanced research and development is needed prior to any decision that could affect domestic production and availability of internally Lead-sheathed cables. For this to happen, adequate time should be made available for the European cabling industry to find technical and commercial alternatives, ultimately resulting in the replacement of Lead with other feasible alternatives.

The full Statement can be downloaded by clicking here.


RGI position on the 'Fit for 55' package

July 2021

On 14th July, the European Commission tabled a part of the ‘Fit for 55‘ package to strengthen the EU Emissions Trading System, update the Energy Taxation Directive, and propose new CO2 standards for cars, new energy efficiency standards for buildings, new targets for renewables, and new ways of supporting clean fuels and infrastructure for clean transport.

This is one of the most ambitious policy overhauls in EU history and a unique opportunity for the EU to set the foundations for an at least 55% GHG reduction by 2030 and climate neutrality by 2050.

RGI strongly believes that a renewable-based electrification of our economy, coupled with the sustainable expansion and modernisation of EU electricity grid, is the fastest and most cost-effective way to achieve significant CO2 emission reductions over the coming decade. Therefore, we recommend for the messages in our position paper to be considered in the revision.

The full Position Paper can be downloaded by clicking here.


Response to the revised TEN-E Regulation

March 2021

The TEN-E (Trans-European Networks for Energy policy) is a central instrument in terms of energy infrastructure and therefore the cost-effective decarbonisation of the energy system and climate neutrality. In 2020, the EC started a revision and consultation process (to which RGI  also responded) and published a proposal in December.

RGI welcomed the overall intention of the proposal to align the network infrastructure with climate targets. However, along with our TSO and NGO Members, we have identified key principles and actions which we believe should be taken into consideration in the development of the energy infrastructure. Find the response here.


Request to Adapt European Energy Planning Scenarios

October 2020

The ‘Request to Adapt European Energy Planning Scenarios’ is a clear statement to policymakers that energy planning should work with scenarios that are compatible with the Paris Agreement, the priorities of the European Green Deal and the European Council's decision to achieve climate neutrality by 2050.

As of October 2020, 50 signatories from across society, including many transmission system operators, have signed the Request and added their names to the growing call.

The full Request can be downloaded by clicking here.


RGI position on increased EU greenhouse gas emission targets

October 2020

The Renewables Grid Initiative (RGI) strongly supports an increase of the greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction target as an important stepping-stone towards a 2050 climate neutrality goal.

RGI's full position paper, including specific policy recommendations, can be accessed in PDF form by clicking here.


RGI response to European Commission consultation on the Offshore Renewable Energy Strategy

September 2020

In our response to the Offshore Renewable Energy Strategy consultation, we ask that a holistic energy system approach be adopted for offshore planning expansion. Our is based on our the diverse experiences and knowledge of our Members, as well as RGI's engagement with marine stakeholders.

RGI's response to the consultation can be accessed in PDF form by clicking here.


RGI response to European Commission consultation on the revision of the TEN-E Regulation

July 2020

Our reponse to the European commission's consultation on the revision of the guidelines for trans-European energy infrastructure (TEN-E) regulation detail what we consider to be the priority elements to be taken into consideration in order to ensure that Europe's energy infrastructure can be planned to reflect changes in the energy landscape and prepares us for future challenges.

RGI's response to the consultation can be accessed in PDF form by clicking here.


'Request to Adapt European Energy Planning Scenarios'

30 June 2020

The signatories of this Request, are committed to the objective set by the ratified Paris Agreement to pursue efforts to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C. They believe that energy infrastructure investment decisions play a fundamental role in reaching this target.

The signatories are therefore calling for the EU Ten Year Network Development Plan (TYNDP) 2022 to work with scenarios that are compatible with the Paris Agreement, the priorities of the European Green Deal and the European Council's decision to achieve climate neutrality by 2050 and thus are supported by a diverse group of stakeholders.


RGI responses to consultations on EU Strategies: Smart Sector Integration (SSI) and Hydrogen

June 2020

In response to the European Commission's consultation on the EU Strategy for Smart Sector Integration, RGI worked closely with our Member organisations to devise a detailed response on what lawmakers should prioritise in order to fully exploit the synergies enabled by an integrated energy system, deliver the energy transition and reach full decarbonisation as swiftly as possible. Furthermore, RGI responded to the consultation on the Roadmap for the preparation of the EU Strategy for Hydrogen, highlighting the aspects to be taken into account, such as terminology, infrastructure optimisation and collaborative planning, technological options and market regulation.

RGI's response to the SSI Strategy and our response to the Hydrogen Strategy are available in PDF form by clicking these hyperlinks.


RGI statement on "A sustainable stimulus plan around the Green Deal in the design of the European Recovery and Reconstruction Package"

April 2020

The Renewables Grid Initiative has issued a statement about the need to have the European Recovery and Reconstruction Package  coherent and aligned with agreed political objectives for decarbonisation and climate protection. The Green Deal and the White Deal are important frameworks to foster sustainability, fairness and growth.

We are calling for measures that lead to value creation for the economy, the environment, the climate and the European citizens. Having an energy and climate perspective, we make concrete suggestions on what is needed in the stimulus package with regard to investment in renewables, the necessary grid, flexibility measures in a decarbonising energy system. Moreover, we stress how investments in renewables and related infrastructure can deliver  new  jobs and local opportunities for communities and citizens.


RGI Open Letter on the TYNDP 2020 Scenarios

January 2020

In the context of the joint development and launch of the TYNDP 2020 by the European Network of Transmission System Operators for electricity and gas (ENTSO-E & ENTSOG respectively), RGI sends the following open letter to colleagues in the ENTSOs, ITRE Committee the European Commission. The letter contains our congratulations on the positive strides taken under this round of the TYNDPs and acknowledges the willingness of the ENTSOs to bring the scenarios in line with the Paris Agreement and with the objectives of the European Green Deal. However,  RGI recognises opportunities for further efforts to be made. These are contained in 5 key recommendations.


RGI Statement on the “Project of Common Interest PCI Consultation 2018 - 2019" February 2019

February 2019

RGI welcomes the efforts by the Commission to select and identify PCIs that are necessary infrastructure for achieving the European Union's climate energy policy objectives. It is very important that projects contribute to, and/or are coherent with delivering the objectives agreed upon in the Paris Agreement, are included in the final PCI list. This is essential to improve the reputation of the PCI label across the European Union and its perception amongst European citizens where the projects are the be realised.


RGI Statement on the “Consultation on the list of proposed Projects of Common Interest in energy infrastructure”

June 2017

RGI welcomes the efforts by the Commission to select PCIs that are in line with the energy and climate objectives Europe has committed to. It is very important that projects that contribute to, and/or are coherent with delivering the objectives agreed upon in the Paris Agreement are included in the final PCI list. This is essential to improve the reputation of the PCI-label across the European Union and its perception amongst European citizens where the projects are to be realised.


RGI and ENTSO-E handout: supporting regulations for the timely implementation of grid projects

June 2017

RGI and ENTSO-E jointly released this handout at the Energy Infrastructure Forum on 2 June in Copenhagen. It points out that implementing better projects with locally tailored, transparent and participatory planning, fostered by sound communication, will minimise impacts and reduce potential conflicts and risks of failure. I calls for a recovery of costs for such a stakeholder dialogue through grid tariffs. 


RGI Position on "Clean Energy for All Europeans"

May 2017

RGI welcomes the publication of the 'Clean Energy For All Europeans' package that should help the EU to make the transition to a zero carbon economy. RGI believes that the extensive set of legislative proposals from the European Commission is essential to ensure the full integration of efforts performed by Member States, businesses and other stakeholders for a successful energy transition in Europe and to empower citizens and prosumers by putting them in the  centre of the clean energy system for their benefit and an increased flexibility of the system. 


RGI Position "Electricity grids for renewables - for a safe global climate"

December 2015

RGI calls on global decision makers to commit to phase out fossil fuel emissions globally by 2050 and to move towards energy systems largely based on renewable energy, to prevent dangerous climate change.


RGI response to the European Commission Consultation on the list of proposed Projects of Common Interest

March 2015

The Renewables Grid Initiative (RGI) backs the concept of Projects of Common Interest (PCIs). This EU label should allow highly critical and needed electrical infrastructures to obtain faster permitting procedures, streamlined and improved regulatory conditions and European and potentially national financial support. These better conditions could facilitate a faster deployment of electricity networks to achieve Europe’s objectives for energy security, climate change mitigation and nature conservation.


RGI Position on the EU 2030 Framework for Climate and Energy Policies

February 2014

RGI calls on the European Council to agree in a timely manner on an ambitious and coherent set of binding targets for 2030 for (I) greenhouse gas emissions reductions, (II) energy efficiency and (III) renewable energy. The related needs for grid development and system security must be carefully considered when designing supporting mechanisms and policies.


RGI Position Paper regarding Commission Guidance for Streamlining Environmental Assessments

June 2013

The Renewables-Grid-Initiative welcomes the European Commission's work on non-binding guidance for streamlining environmental assessments of Projects of Common Interests (PCIs). Based on years of experience in balancing out different interests of TSOs and NGOs, in this position paper RGI would like to propose some complementary recommendations to the first draft of the Commission's Guidance document - on the basis of the European Grid Declaration.


RGI position regarding amendments to the proposal for a Regulation on Guidelines for Trans-­European Energy Infrastructure COM (2011) 658

May 2012

In its position paper in March 2012, RGI has suggested to further strengthen the Commission's proposal in the topics of environmental legislation, public acceptance and stakeholder involvement, and long term planning. We are pleased to see these suggestions reflected in the ITRE report.


RGI feedback on the Consultation of the ENTSO-E TYNDP 2012

April 2012

The Renewables Grid Initiative (RGI) welcomes the work that ENTSO-E has delivered in drafting the second Ten Year Network Development Plan (TYNDP) in 2012 and the invitation to give feedback on this plan in an open consultation. In view of future TYNDPs, RGI sees some room for further improvement on the process as well as the content.


RGI position on the European Commission’s Proposal for a Regulation on Guidelines for Trans-European Energy Infrastructure COM

March 2012

The Renewables Grid Initiative warmly welcomes the Commission’s current proposal for a Regulation on Guidelines for Trans-European Energy Infrastructure. RGI supports the aims to accelerate and improve the legal and administrative frameworks for grid development, but suggests to strengthen the current proposal in three areas.


Beyond Public Opposition to Grid Expansion - Achieving Public Acceptance: Transparency, Participation, Benefit Sharing

April 2011

This document presents the activities of the Renewables-Grid-Initiative and suggests practical areas of collaboration with the Commission on the issue of public acceptance. It was presented to EU Commissioner of Energy Günther Oettinger on 13 April 2011.


Submission to Infrastructure Package

October 2010

The integration of fast growing renewable electricity into the European grid and the achievement of ambitious energy security and climate protection goals of the European Union require an accelerated development of the grid network which should be reflected as a priority in the forthcoming European Infrastructure Package. In the submission, RGI proposes eight areas of intervention, which in RGI's view should be considered and included in the infrastructure package.


Note to DG Budget

July 2010

The increasing share of renewable energies in Europe’s generation mix that are required to meet Europe’s twin objectives of energy and climate security, have shown the need for expanding Europe’s current interconnectors’ capacity. This note’s purpose is to demonstrate the need for EU public (co)funding for grid infrastructure over the next 10 years that would foster the integration of large-scale and decentralised renewable energies. RGI’s position is that the purpose of public funding for grid infrastructure is to facilitate the decrease of the risk profile of such investments. Additionally, RGI stresses the urgent need of developing European harmonized regulatory conditions while developing new financing tools particularly directed at projects of European relevance and in particular at pilot projects testing new technologies.


Contact

Stephanie Bätjer
Programme Manager – Communication

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t: +49 30 2332 11017
stephanie[at]renewables-grid.eu

RGI gratefully acknowledges the EU LIFE funding support:

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Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the LIFE Programme. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.